Human society is made up of diverse elements. There is more diversity among the members of the society. Individuals living in society exist as separate entities. Apart from internal qualities and faults, there are also many differences externally. Some people are tall, some are short, some are fair, some are black and there are many who have no arms, no legs, no vision. Again, many cannot hear or speak. These people are the exception in the society. They are generally called disabled.
Who are disabled: People who are outside the normal human race are called disabled due to physical and mental defects that hinder the normal pace of life. In other words, those who have difficulty in doing normal activities and thinking in the way of life are called disabled. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), "a person with a disability is a person whose perceived physical and mental disability lowers the prospect of adequate employment." Disability, as defined by the United Nations, is any obstruction (caused by physical or mental harm) that completely disrupts a person's normal functioning. In other words, a person is said to be disabled if he or she is confined to a normal life due to some negative social attitudes and structural barriers. Disability is the condition of not being able to do the tasks that ten people can do in their daily life due to their disability, according to their age, gender, race, culture or social status.
Number of people with disabilities: According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), about 15% of the world's population is disabled in one way or another. According to a 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) survey, 10 percent of the world's population is disabled. As such, the number of disabled people in Bangladesh is 18 million. Male to female disability ratio is 48: 52. Physically handicapped 38 lakh, mentally handicapped 42 lakh, visually impaired 33 lakh, hearing and other handicapped 25 lakh. According to a study conducted by CSID, 40.95 per cent of women and adolescents in the country are victims of disability due to birth defects, while 3.32 per cent are victims of misconduct and malpractice. Besides, 55.64 percent people became disabled due to various diseases, fever, burns and accidents.
Social position of the disabled: The position of the disabled in the society is highly neglected. People with disabilities are looked down upon everywhere, starting from the family. And like ten normal people, people with disabilities are supposed to enjoy all the social rights but they are always deprived of it. Relatives keep them away for fear of social status. Their free movement in the society is hindered. They are discriminated against in education, employment, employment, marriage, healthcare, etc. They cannot integrate themselves into society by being victims of various forms of discrimination.
The position of the disabled in the family: The social position of any person is formed from the family. This is especially true for people with disabilities. People with disabilities in our country are somehow neglected in the family. But more in some families, less in some families. By accepting the curse of disability due to negligence, they are forced to live a life of neglect and deprivation. The situation of the disabled in poor families is more miserable. Many times they have to spend half a day in starvation. In most families, people with disabilities are considered a burden.
Responsibility towards the disabled: People with disabilities are an integral part of our society. It is never possible for society to move forward by leaving them behind. We have a responsibility to them as part of society. If these responsibilities are fulfilled properly, the disabled will not become a burden of the society but an asset. The responsibilities of the disabled are discussed below:
Change of attitude: The first thing to do when it comes to fulfilling one's responsibilities towards the disabled is to change one's attitude towards them. There are many parents who are ashamed to bring their disabled children out and mix with other children. But we have to change this kind of mindset.
Social recognition of persons with disabilities: People with disabilities must be accepted as part of society. People with disabilities must be recognized as an integral part of society as a whole. They should be given importance in enjoying all the opportunities of the society. In each case, they have seized it, despite obstacles we can scarcely imagine. "
Education system: Although 96% of children in Bangladesh are enrolled in primary schools, only 11% of the total children with disabilities get admission in schools. Which is very negligible in the context of time. For this, education for the disabled should be arranged on the basis of disability.
Responsibilities in the field of medicine: Most of the public and private hospitals even Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka Medical College.
There is no steep path for wheelchair access for friends. Which is very sad. It is the social and state responsibility of all of us to make the treatment of the disabled free all over the country, to show them to the doctors in the chambers, to give them the opportunity first.
Special Allowance for the Disabled: In 2009, the Government of Bangladesh provided special allowance for the disabled at the rate of Tk. 200 per month. But this allowance is much less than at present. Therefore, by increasing the amount of this allowance, the scope of economic assistance to the disabled should be increased.
Helping on the go: We see people with disabilities on the way. It is our social responsibility to assist the visually impaired in crossing the road, holding the handicapped physically or otherwise. In addition, some other responsibilities are-
- We have to take up programs to increase social mass awareness.
- Separate industrial factories should be set up for the employment of persons with disabilities.
- Special facilities for the disabled should be increased in the field of education.
- People with disabilities need to organize suitable sports or cultural events for their entertainment.
- Disability quota should be increased in jobs and other fields.
- Special laws should be enacted for the protection of the disabled and its proper implementation should be done.
Conclusion: People with disabilities are neglected in the society and in most cases deprived. The family and economic situation of many is very miserable. The standard of living is very low. As a developing country, it is very difficult to rehabilitate such a large number of people with disabilities. Therefore, all conscious sections of the society, especially the rich people, should come forward for the welfare of the disabled.
Exactly we must show our humanity and help the poor and disable people.